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Court Sets November 14 for Yahaya Bello's Arraignment

Published

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 02:28 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

Court Sets November 14 for Yahaya Bello's Arraignment

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the arraignment of the defendants in the case involving former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to November 14.

The adjournment was granted following the prosecution’s request for more time to ensure the court's summons is responded to.

The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that a public summons had been issued against the 1st defendant, Yahaya Bello, but clarified that only the summons, not the charges, were ordered to be published.

The SAN requested the adjournment to allow time for Bello to appear, noting that the summons provided a 30-day window for compliance.

However, counsel for the 2nd defendant, J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected to the adjournment, stressing that the defendants had been in custody for over a month and should not be penalized due to the absence of the 1st defendant.

He argued, “My Lord, we are here for arraignment. I don’t think the prosecution should use them as a shield... I will ask for their discharge if he (the prosecution) is not ready for arraignment.”

Counsel for the 3rd defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), concurred with Daudu’s objection and submitted an application for bail on behalf of his client, stating, “In the alternative, my Lord, I have filed an application for bail which was duly served on the complainant.”

Oyedepo, however, contended that the bail application could not be heard as the charge involves multiple defendants and includes counts of conspiracy.

He maintained that the case should be adjourned to November 14 for the arraignment of all three defendants adding that an application for the enforcement of the 2nd defendant's fundamental rights had been served on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Despite the objections raised by the defense, Justice Anenih declined the oral application for bail, directing the defendants to file a formal bail application. She stated, “I have considered your application for bail... the defendants are at liberty to make proper application for bail in this court; otherwise, the oral application made today is hereby refused.”

The case was adjourned to November 14 and 20 for further proceedings, including the potential arraignment of Yahaya Bello and consideration of the defendants' bail applications

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Court Sets November 14 for Yahaya Bello's Arraignment

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned the arraignment of the defendants in the case involving former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to November 14.

The adjournment was granted following the prosecution’s request for more time to ensure the court's summons is responded to.

The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that a public summons had been issued against the 1st defendant, Yahaya Bello, but clarified that only the summons, not the charges, were ordered to be published.

The SAN requested the adjournment to allow time for Bello to appear, noting that the summons provided a 30-day window for compliance.

However, counsel for the 2nd defendant, J.B. Daudu (SAN), objected to the adjournment, stressing that the defendants had been in custody for over a month and should not be penalized due to the absence of the 1st defendant.

He argued, “My Lord, we are here for arraignment. I don’t think the prosecution should use them as a shield... I will ask for their discharge if he (the prosecution) is not ready for arraignment.”

Counsel for the 3rd defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), concurred with Daudu’s objection and submitted an application for bail on behalf of his client, stating, “In the alternative, my Lord, I have filed an application for bail which was duly served on the complainant.”

Oyedepo, however, contended that the bail application could not be heard as the charge involves multiple defendants and includes counts of conspiracy.

He maintained that the case should be adjourned to November 14 for the arraignment of all three defendants adding that an application for the enforcement of the 2nd defendant's fundamental rights had been served on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case was adjourned to November 14 and 20 for further proceedings, including the potential arraignment of Yahaya Bello and consideration of the defendants' bail applications

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